Valve seal

ABSTRACT

A device in a valve ( 1 ) comprises a valve housing ( 2 ) with at least a first ( 3 ) and a second ( 4 ) fluid port. A closure element ( 5 ) is arranged in the valve housing ( 2 ), said closure element ( 5 ) having a sealing portion ( 15 ) and comprising a diaphragm ( 30 ). The sealing portion ( 15 ) is movable along an axis of the closure element ( 5 ) by said diaphragm ( 30 ) between an open position and a closed position of at least one of the fluid ports of the valve housing. The closure element ( 5 ) together with the valve housing ( 2 ) forms a flow passage ( 11 ) in the valve housing ( 2 ) which communicates with said fluid ports when the sealing portion ( 15 ) leaves said closed position. A second sealing portion ( 14 ) of the closure element, which is an enclosing portion spaced from said axis, is arranged in contact with a support portion ( 25 ) of the valve housing ( 2 ). An abutment means ( 16 ) is arranged in contact along the periphery of said second sealing portion ( 14 ) in such a manner that said second sealing portion ( 14 ) is arranged between the support portion ( 25 ) and the abutment means ( 16 ). The abutment means ( 16 ) is arranged to transmit a force via said second sealing portion ( 14 ) toward the support portion ( 25 ) to provide a seal. Said force is, at least partly, a force exerted by a spring means arranged in the device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/068,096, filed Feb. 1, 2008, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device in a valve comprising a valvehousing with at least a first and a second fluid port. A closure elementis arranged in the valve housing, which closure element has a sealingportion and comprises a diaphragm. The sealing portion is movable alongan axis of the closure element by said diaphragm between an openposition and a closed position of at least one of the fluid ports of thevalve housing. The closure element together with the valve housing formsa flow passage in the valve housing which communicates with said fluidports when the sealing portion leaves said closed position. A secondsealing portion of the closure element, which is an enclosing portionspaced from said axis, is arranged in contact with a support portion ofthe valve housing. An abutment means is arranged in contact along theperiphery of said second sealing portion in such a manner that saidsecond sealing portion is arranged between the support portion and theabutment means. The abutment means is arranged to transmit a force viasaid second sealing portion toward the support portion to provide aseal.

BACKGROUND ART

Valves of the above type are well known. Such valves are used in thefirst place in applications where high cleanness is required. Suchapplications can be various fluid engineering processes or processsteps, for example for pharmaceutical and food technology purposes orother types of chemical purposes. Many fluid products are expensiveand/or susceptible to contamination or dangerous in case of leakage,which means that leakage can result in an unhealthy environment for theuser of a product or an environment. Tightness of a valve of the typestated above thus is crucial.

In valves of this type, a diaphragm element is operated between an openand a closed position. Fluid flowing in the valve housing can thus beeasily and safely handled in an adjustable manner. The operation of thevalve can take place in various ways, for example using manual orpneumatic control.

Furthermore, valves of this type should in their open position have goodflow capacity without the valve being a substantial obstacle, therebyreducing the risk of the valve accumulating contaminants, such as dirtand deposits. The valve should also be absolutely tight. This conditionmay sometimes be difficult to achieve, for instance when usingaggressive chemicals. In such cases, the sealing surfaces of the valvecan be subjected to wear which results in, for instance, the materialaging, becoming brittle and losing its elasticity, which may causecracks and/or yielding and, later on, leakage.

There are thus many requirements that should be met by this type ofvalve, for instance good operability, good flow capacity, goodtightness, sufficient cleanness.

In addition to these requirements, there are a number of ranges thatshould also be improved. These ranges of problems involve the followingpoints

-   -   that the valve ensures good sealing in spite of great variations        in pressure and temperature of the fluid,    -   that the valve ensures good sealing in spite of any plastic        deformation,    -   that the valve has good repeatability of sealing pressure when        mounting the closure element.

In sealing, an elastic packing is usually compressed by prestressing abolt. However, problems may arise after a while when the elasticmaterial ages or is plastically deformed, which may result in leakage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention therefore is to provide a device in avalve, which satisfies one or more of the above-mentioned points.

A further object is to provide a device which has a tightness adapted tothe purpose.

This is achieved by the device in a valve stated by way of introductioncomprising a valve housing with at least a first and a second fluidport, a closure element being arranged in the valve housing, saidclosure element having a sealing portion and comprising a diaphragm, thesealing portion being movable along an axis of the closure element bysaid diaphragm between an open position and a closed position of atleast one of the fluid ports of the valve housing, the closure elementtogether with the valve housing forming a flow passage in the valvehousing which communicates with said fluid ports when the sealingportion leaves said closed position, a second sealing portion of theclosure element, which is an enclosing portion spaced from said axis,being arranged in contact with a support portion of the valve housing,an abutment means being arranged in contact along the periphery of saidsecond sealing portion in such a manner that said second sealing portionis arranged between the support portion and the abutment means, theabutment means being arranged to transmit a force via said secondsealing portion toward the support portion to provide a seal, whereinsaid force is, at least partly, a force exerted by a spring meansarranged in the device.

By fluid is meant in the first place liquids, liquid solutions,dispersions, suspensions etc. In the second place, fluid relates togases, gas-liquid mixtures or gases in combination with one of theabove. By spring means is meant spring assemblies with “mechanicalresilience” and not compression of, for example, a packing made of anelastic material such as rubber, or the resilience which is providedwith only one prestressed bolt.

Preferably, said spring means is selected from the group consisting oftorsion springs and springs with a bending action.

A great advantage of a device according to the invention thus is that acertain pressure or sealing is continuously maintained independently ofmovements of the parts included in the valve due to temperature changesor cold flow/plastic deformation.

Preferably, said second sealing portion of the closure element has asealing region and the valve housing has a complementary seat portionfor mutual sealing.

Furthermore the sealing portion of the closure element is suitablyoperably connected by an actuator, the device having a coupling device,which has a locking means adapted to be arranged to the valve housingand an actuating device adapted to be connected to the coupling deviceto operate the actuator.

Further the actuator is preferably elongated and arranged in such amanner that its longitudinal axis coincides with said axis of theclosure element and further arranged in an actuating hole through a holein the coupling device.

In one embodiment, the abutment means is adjustably arranged in thecoupling device by a thread bushing.

The thread bushing is suitably externally threaded and connected to thehole in the coupling device.

In one embodiment, a compression spring is arranged in such a manner asto generate a compressive force parallel to said axis.

In an alternative embodiment, a spring washer is arranged in such amanner as to generate a compressive force parallel to said axis.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the actual abutment means is acompression spring.

When the device is positioned as intended in an assembled valve, theabutment means will preferably abut against the closure element. Aboveall due to temperature changes, the various components included in thedevice change in size, which means that sealing over a long period canbe improved by said spring force.

In one embodiment, the coupling device can be connected to the valvehousing by a locking means. The coupling device has a connectableactuating device. The actuating device is in turn connected to theactuator to operate the valve.

The actuator is preferably centrally arranged in an actuating holethrough a hole in the coupling device. As a result, the closure elementcan be operated in an easy and reliable manner.

The actuator is suitably a centrally arranged spindle, which at one endis connectable to the actuating device and, at its other end, isconnectable to the closure element. This results in the advantage thatthe closure element can be operated in an easy and reliable manner.

The abutment means is preferably centrally axially adjustably arrangedrelative to the coupling device for applying the abutment means andtoward the closure element. Furthermore the abutment means is suitablyadjustably arranged in the coupling device by a thread bushing. Thethread bushing is advantageously externally threaded and connected tothe hole in the coupling device. Thus the valve obtains a goodadjustable and controllable capability between the abutment means andthe closure element.

The closure element preferably is made of an at least partly flexibleand rigid material. This means that the closure element obtains thedesired sealing properties that are required in the applicationconcerned.

By flexible material is in the first place meant a bendable andbulgeable material having a resistance adapted to function andapplication.

The closure element can be made of, for example, a resilient softmaterial. The closure element will thus have the sealing properties thatare required in the application concerned.

The closure element is suitably curved radially inward adjacent apassage portion which together with the inside of the valve housingforms a cavity when the closure element is closed. Thus, the valveobtains good flow capacity when the closure element leaves the closedposition.

The abutment means can be made of, for example, a soft material. Inaddition, the abutment means can be exchanged if required by the valveapplication.

An upper end of the closure element is preferably radially spaced fromthe inner wall of the valve housing in the mounted state. This resultsin the advantages that the upper end of the closure element, in thiscase, does not abut against the side walls of the valve housing, whichin that case would cause a risk of resistance in mounting and operation.

The closure element is preferably adapted to be applied to a supportportion, which at least partly extends peripherally in the valvehousing. The closure element flexes, for example about a seat portion inoperation. Consequently, the valve obtains both the intended sealingfunction and the required operating function for the valve to work asdesired.

The closure element can, for example, maintain the open position when noactuating forces act on the closure element. The closure element can inthis way be retained in the open position without being subjected to anygreat stress that could result in wear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will in the following be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, which by way of example illustrate preferredembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view of a device in a valve according toa first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view, seen in perspective from below, ofthe device in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view of a longitudinal section of thedevice according to FIG. 1 or alternatively FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 a shows a part of a device in a valve, according to FIG. 1, inthe mounted state, illustrating a mounting position.

FIG. 4 b shows a part of a device in a valve, according to FIG. 1, inthe mounted state, which illustrates a press-fit position.

FIG. 5 a is a longitudinal section of a device in a valve according toFIG. 1, in the mounted state, illustrating an open position.

FIG. 5 b is a longitudinal section of a device in a valve according toFIG. 1, in the mounted state, illustrating a closed position.

FIGS. 6 a-6 c illustrate an alternative embodiment of the deviceaccording to the present invention.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrate another embodiment of the device accordingto the present invention.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b illustrate another alternative embodiment of thedevice according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows yet another embodiment of the device according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of the device according to thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a valve 1 with a device according to a firstpreferred embodiment of the invention. The valve 1 comprises a valvehousing 2 of prior art type, which has an internal, preferablycylindrical cavity. The valve housing has at least a first fluid port 3and a second fluid port 4. The first fluid port 3 is preferably arrangedin a lower portion 13 of the valve housing and suitably forms an inletport, see FIG. 1. The second port is preferably arranged in the sidewall of the valve housing 2 and suitably forms an outlet port.

A preferably movable closure element 5 is adapted to be arranged in thecavity of the valve housing 2. The closure element is preferablyrotationally symmetrical with an upper end, a sealing portion 14,adapted to an upper portion 12 of the valve housing 2. The closureelement 5 has another sealing portion 15, in this embodiment a lowerend, which is adapted to a lower portion 13 of the valve housing 2 to bemutually sealable adjacent the first fluid port 3 in use. With referenceto FIG. 2, the central portion of the closure element 5 between saidends has a preferably waist-like shape which is adapted to a passageportion 11 adjacent the second fluid port 4.

With reference to FIG. 3, the closure element 5 has a second sealingportion 14, in this embodiment an upper end, suitably a hole 27 whichextends in the axial direction, downward, into the closure element 5.The hole 27 in the closure element is, for instance, internallythreaded, which is intended for a connectable actuator 6. The closureelement also has at its upper end a sealing region 29 which extendscircumferentially with an edge inward toward the valve housing 2. Theclosure element 5 also has a flexible portion 30 which is radiallyinside said sealing region 29.

Referring once more to FIG. 2, the valve housing 2 has in its upperportion 12 a connection opening 17. The upper portion 12 of the valvehousing 2 is adapted to be connected to a coupling device 7. Thecoupling device 7 is preferably connectable to the valve housing 2 by alocking means 8. The locking means 8 is suitably provided with aninternal thread, which is adapted to a complementary external thread ofthe valve housing 2 for mutual locking.

With reference to FIG. 3, the coupling device 7 also suitably has acentrally arranged hole 19 which is provided with an internal thread.The hole 19 is adapted to receive a thread bushing 20 provided with anexternal thread. The upper end of the thread bushing 20 is preferablyconnectable to the hole, (see FIG. 2).

The lower end of the thread bushing 20 is suitably provided with anabutment means 16 which is fastened to be rotatable on the threadbushing. The abutment means 16, which is to be seen in FIG. 2, isarranged inward toward the valve housing. The thread bushing 20 haspreferably at its lower free end a locking washer 21 for retaining theabutment means in the intended position.

With reference to FIG. 3, the thread bushing 20 has a hexagonalactuating hole 18 intended for an Allen key. The thread bushing 20 withthe rotatably connected abutment means 16 thus is axially adjustablerelative to the coupling device 7 in its threaded hole 19.

Referring once more to FIG. 3, it is to be seen that the elongatedactuator 6 in its lower end preferably is provided with an externalthread to be connected to the hole 27 of the closure element 5.Furthermore the actuator 6 is in its upper end suitably provided with aninternal thread to be connected to and receive an actuating device 10with an externally threaded pin 23. The actuator 6 is to be insertedthrough the hexagonal actuating hole 18 in the thread bushing 20 for theintended connection of the actuator at both ends. The upper end of theactuator can also be provided with a diametrical groove 22 which is usedto allow a complementary tool (not shown) to adjust the connection ofthe actuator 6 to the closure element 5.

The actuating device 10 is preferably connectable to the coupling device7 by an annular fastening means 24. The fastening means 24 is suitablyprovided with an internal thread which is adapted to a complementaryexternal thread of the coupling device 7 for interconnection.

The actuating device can be actuated by manual or pneumatic, hydraulicor electrical control or alternatively a combination thereof.

The valve housing 2, the coupling device 7, the abutment means 16 andthe actuator 6 are preferably made of metal, such as stainless steel oraluminium, but may, of course, be made of other materials orcombinations of materials that meet the requirements and wishesaccording to the intentions of the invention. The thread bushing 20 issuitably made of metal, such as bronze, in order to ensure easyoperation of the same and, for instance, allow low friction.

The closure element 5 according to the first embodiment is preferablymade of a flexible polymer, such as Teflon, polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE).

The closure element 5 may, of course, be made of other materials thatmeat the requirements and wishes of the invention, such as rubber or acombination of PTFE and rubber.

The requirements and wishes as to materials that can be placed on theinvention may, for example, be chemical resistance, temperature andpressure resistance. These materials and material needs may, of course,be varied in view of the application concerned.

Components such as the interior of the valve housing 2, the fluid ports3, 4, the closure element 5, the actuator 6, the coupling device 7, theabutment means 16 and the connection opening 17 are substantiallycircular in cross-section, but may of course have a different shape aslong as the objects and requirements of the invention are met. Otherconceivable shapes can be oval, square or some kind of regular orirregular polygonal shape.

The mounting of the valve 1 and the other components will now bedescribed in the following with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 a and 4 b.

As mentioned above, the valve housing 2 has a connection opening 17 inthe upper portion 12 of the valve housing, see FIG. 3. In its upperinside, the valve housing 2 preferably has a support portion 25 and aseat portion 31. The closure element 5 is insertable through theconnection opening 17, an outer radial portion at the upper end of theclosure element abutting against the support portion 25.

With reference once more to FIG. 3, the closure element has preferablyat its upper end an edge portion 26 where the closure element 5 has anindentation with a peripheral edge. It is to be noted that the upperend, the sealing portion 14, of the closure element 5 in its mountedstate preferably is arranged, suitably in a floating manner, at a smallradial distance from the inner wall of the valve housing 2.

The abutment means 16 is connected to the lower end of the threadbushing 20 suitably by means of the locking washer 21. The upper end ofthe thread bushing is screwed from below into the internally threadedhole 19 of the coupling device 7. Thus the abutment means 16 isadjustably connected to the coupling device 7 on the underside thereofby the thread bushing 20. During mounting, the abutment means is in itsupper position so as to abut against the underside of the couplingdevice, which is seen in FIG. 4 a.

As shown in FIG. 3, the coupling device 7, with the integratedcomponents stated above, is connected to the upper portion 12 of thevalve housing 2 by the locking means 8.

The locking means 8 is preferably an annular nut means. An appropriatetool (not shown) thus suitably performs the connection so that thelocking means 8 and the upper valve housing portion 12 abut against eachother in a reliable manner.

With reference to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, it is to be seen that the threadbushing 20 can be adjusted with the hexagonal actuating hole 18 by meansof an Allen key so that the abutment means is adjusted to abut with apress-fit against the closure element 5.

The Allen key can advantageously be what is referred to as a torquewrench, which ensures that a similar adjusted torque is applied in eachpress-fit operation which, for example, takes place in connection withmaintenance.

With reference to FIG. 3, the actuator 6 is inserted into the actuatinghole 18 and screwed into the closure element 5 by means of anappropriate tool (not shown) which engages in the diametrical groove 22of the actuator 6.

After that, the actuating device is arranged over the coupling deviceand rotated so that the pin 23 is threaded into the upper portion of theactuator 6. The fastening means 24 of the actuating device 10 is thenattached by screwing and tightened with an appropriate tool (not shown).

In addition to this description of mounting, the respective fluid portsare of course connected to fluid lines, but since this takes placeaccording to prior art technique and is not a direct part of theinvention, this operation is left out of the description.

The function of the valve 1 and the other components will now bedescribed in the following with reference to FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 5 a, 5 brespectively. When a mounted device in the valve 2 according to thepresent invention is arranged in the intended position, for instance,adjacent a fluid tank for directing the fluid flow, for example thefirst fluid port 3 of the valve is connected

to the lower portion of the fluid tank as an inlet of the valve. Thesecond fluid port 4 of the valve is connected to a fluid line as anoutlet of the valve.

When a user intends to open the valve 2 provided with a manual actuatingdevice 10, he turns a handle 28, see FIGS. 5 a, 5 b. With the handle,the pin 23 is moved in the axial direction from the tank connection ofthe valve (below referred to as off direction). The pin 23 actuates theactuator 6 through the actuating hole 18 in the same off direction.

Due to the movement of the actuator 6, the closure element 5 moves inthe same off direction, see FIG. 5 a. The end, the sealing portion 15,of the closure element thus leaves the abutment surfaces of the firstfluid port. Any fluid in the tank may thus, for instance due to gravity,flow through the valve. The end, the sealing portion 15, of the closureelement, and its waist portions together with the inner walls of thevalve housing 2 between the first 3 and the second fluid port 4 form theflow passage 11. The fluid can now flow from the first fluid port 3through the flow passage 11 to the fluid port 4.

Correspondingly, but in the opposite direction, the closing process ofthe valve takes place when the handle of the actuating device is turnedto the closing position, whereby the first fluid port 3 is again closed,see FIG. 5 b. It is to be noted that in the first embodiment thepreferably rigid closure element 5 suitably flexes about the seatportion 31 when operating the positions of the valve.

In operation, the coupling device 7 ensures that the sealing region 29,together with the seat portion 31 of the valve housing, under the actionof the abutment means 16 has the required sealing function. In order todemonstrate leakage in this seal, an indication passage 32 is arrangedin the coupling device 7, see FIG. 3.

With reference to FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and the above description of mounting,the following occurs when the thread bushing 20 is, for example,adjusted by an Allen key in the hexagonal actuating hole 18. This canpreferably occur without the actuator being mounted.

When the abutment means 16 is moved toward the closure element 5, apreferably uniformly distributed force is peripherally applied betweenthe above components for mutual sealing. This force is suitablytransmitted centrally by the thread bushing 20 as force-transmittingmeans. This single adjusting means results in adjustment being achievedin a simple and uniform manner. In the valve housing 2, the supportportion 25 and the seat portion 31 act as an abutment for the closureelement so that the abutment means 16 obtains the desired function. Inthe opposite direction, the coupling device 7 together with the threadbushing 20 acts as an abutment for the press-fit force exerted by theabutment means 16.

The abutment means 16 preferably exerts a pressure, at a suitable radialdistance from its centre, on the closure element 5 adjacent the edgeportion 26. This distance is adjusted so that the closure element 5 canflex adjacent the flexible portion 30 for actuating the valve 1. Inother words, the closure element has adjacent said portion 30 at theend, the sealing portion 14, some freedom of movement so that theclosure element can move in the intended vertical direction.

The abutment means 16 preferably abuts on both sides of the edge portion26 of the closure element 5 to ensure adequate abutment. This press-fitabutment force results in the desired sealing function between thesealing region 29 and the seat portion 31. The invention according tothe second embodiment will now be described. The closure element 5 has ashape which is preferably adapted to the abutment means 16. The closureelement 5 according to the second embodiment is suitably made of aresilient soft material, such as silicone, ethylene-propylene rubber(EPDM), fluorinated rubber (FPM; viton). The closure element 5 can, ofcourse, be made of another material which has the properties that arerequired according to the intentions of the invention.

The above closure element 5 can have, for example, a metal core which isdirectly or indirectly connectable to the actuating device 10. Theclosure element 5 preferably has good sealing properties independentlyof pressure and temperature changes, the abutment means 16 being presseddirectly against the closure element 5, whereby sealing occurs betweenthe sealing region 29 and the seat portion 31.

In FIGS. 1-5, the abutment means 16 is a resilient washer. Thesubsequent figures illustrate alternative spring means in the differentembodiment of the valve.

FIGS. 6 a-6 c illustrate an alternative embodiment of the deviceaccording to the present invention. The abutment means 16 is pressedagainst the closure element 5 by a compression spring 35, which ensuresthat a pressure is exerted by the abutment means 16 on the closureelement 5 in changes of the size of the parts included in the device.FIG. 6 a shows the valve in the closed position, and FIGS. 6 b and 6 cin the open position. In FIG. 6 c, the spring 35 is slightly moretensioned than in FIG. 6 b. The compression of the spring 35 is in thisembodiment performed by an adjusting screw 9, a worm gear 33, a nut 34and the thread bushing 20. An advantage of this embodiment is that thespring 35 can be tensioned without necessitating dismounting of any partof the valve.

In FIGS. 7 a and 7 b, which illustrate a further embodiment of thedevice according to the present invention, the abutment means comprisesa spring washer 36 which just like the compression spring 35 in FIG. 6a-6 c ensures that a pressure is exerted by the abutment means 16 on theclosure element 5 in changes of the size of the parts included in thedevice. FIG. 7 a shows the device in one position with a large expansiongap, and FIG. 7 b in another position with a small expansion gap.

Yet another alternative embodiment of the device according to theinvention is shown in FIGS. 8 a (open valve) and 8 b (closed valve). Inthis embodiment, the abutment means is a compression spring 35, which isto be tensioned by the thread bushing 20. In this embodiment, the “cone”is shown as a separate part which is arranged by means of a bolt withthe diaphragm part of the closure element 5.

Another embodiment of the device according to the present invention isshown is FIG. 9, where the closure element 5 largely consists of adiaphragm which is pressed down against a ridge 37 belonging to thevalve housing 2 in order to close the valve. The diaphragm 5 is sealedagainst the valve housing 2 by a number of bolts 38 holding an abutmentmeans 16 against the peripheral portions of the diaphragm. In addition,a spring 35 is arranged adjacent each bolt to maintain a minimum sealingforce independently of the movements of the components due totemperature. FIG. 10 shows the same valve as in FIG. 9 but with analternative spring action involving an abutment means which at the sametime is a compression spring 35. The compression spring 35 is presseddown against the diaphragm 35 by an adjustable means (not shown) closeto the centre of the compression spring 35.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments of thepresent invention can be modified and varied by as person skilled in theart, without departing from the inventive concept defined in the claims.For instance, the valve and its components according to the presentinvention with the various fastening means, locking means, threadbushings can, of course, be provided in various ways such as detachablejoints (for instance screw, spline, key, clamp, press and shrink joints)or alternative other elastic joints or power joints, but also in someapplications, permanent joints (weld, glue and rivet joints). It goeswithout saying that it is also possible to combine the various springalternatives. For example, the valve with its components may consist ofseveral parts both as separate or composite components, such as severalfluid ports, valve housings, closure elements, abutment means, couplingdevices, thread bushings. The above-mentioned components can also beintegrated when convenient and when allowed by the application.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   1. valve    -   2. valve housing    -   3. first fluid port, fluid opening    -   4. second fluid port, fluid side opening    -   5. closure element    -   6. actuator    -   7. coupling device    -   8. locking means (coupling device)    -   9. adjusting screw    -   10. actuating device    -   11. flow passage, passage portion    -   12. upper portion valve housing    -   13. lower portion valve housing    -   14. sealing portion    -   15. sealing portion    -   16. abutment means; abutment portion    -   17. connection opening    -   18. actuating hole    -   19. hole coupling device    -   20. thread bushing    -   21. locking washer    -   22. groove in actuator    -   23. pin actuating device    -   24. fastening means (actuating device)    -   25. support portion (valve housing)    -   26. edge portion    -   27. hole in closure element    -   28. handle (actuating device)    -   29. sealing region    -   30. flexible portion    -   31. seat portion    -   32. indication passage    -   33. worm gear    -   34. nut    -   35. compression spring    -   36. spring washer    -   37. ridge    -   38. bolt

1. A device in a valve comprising: a valve housing with at least a firstand a second fluid port; a closure element being arranged in the valvehousing, the closure element having a sealing portion and comprising adiaphragm, the sealing portion being movable along an axis of theclosure element by means of said diaphragm between an open position anda closed position of at least one of the fluid ports of the valvehousing, the closure element together with the valve housing forming aflow passage in the valve housing which communicates with said fluidports when the sealing portion leaves said closed position, a secondsealing portion of the closure element adapted to come in contact with asupport portion of the valve housing; and an abutment means beingarranged in contact along a periphery of said second sealing portion insuch manner that said second sealing portion is arranged between thesupport portion and the abutment means, the abutment means beingarranged to transmit a force via said second sealing portion towards thesupport portion to provide a seal, and wherein said abutment meanscomprises a spring means.
 2. A device as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid spring means is one of torsion springs and resilient springs withbending action.
 3. A device as claimed in claim 1, in which a pressurespring is arranged so as to provide a compressive force parallel withsaid axis.
 4. A device as claimed in claim 1, in which a spring washeris arranged so as to provide a compressive force parallel with saidaxis.
 5. A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the abutment meanscomprises a spring washer.
 6. A device as claimed in claim 1, in whichsaid second sealing portion of the closure element has a sealing regionand the valve housing has a complementary seat portion for mutualsealing.
 7. A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the sealing portionof the closure element is operably connected to an actuator, the devicefurther having a coupling device which has a locking means adapted to beconnected to the valve housing, and an actuating device adapted to beconnected to the coupling device to operate the actuator.
 8. A device asclaimed in claim 7, in which the actuator is elongate and arranged sothat its longitudinal axis coincides with said axis of the closureelement and further arranged in an actuator recess through a recess inthe coupling device.
 9. A device as claimed in claim 7, in which theabutment means is adjustably arranged in the coupling device by means ofa thread bushing.
 10. A device as claimed in claim 9, in which thethread bushing is externally threaded and connected to a recess in thecoupling device.
 11. A valve, comprising: a valve housing with at leasta first and a second fluid port; a closure element, arranged in thevalve housing, having a first sealing portion and a second sealingportion, the first sealing portion being movable between an openposition and a closed position, and the second sealing portion adaptedto come in contact with a seat portion of the valve housing; and anabutment element adapted to urge a periphery of said second sealingportion toward the seat portion of the valve housing to provide a seal,wherein the abutment element comprises a spring.
 12. The valve of claim11, wherein said abutment element comprises a torsion spring.
 13. Thevalve of claim 11, wherein said abutment element comprises a resilientspring.
 14. The valve of claim 11, wherein said abutment elementcomprises a spring washer.
 15. The valve of claim 11, wherein saidclosure element comprises an opening for accommodating an actuator, saidactuator being adapted to move the first sealing portion between saidopen position and said closed position.
 16. The valve of claim 15,wherein said actuator does not move said second sealing portion.
 17. Avalve, comprising: a valve housing having an inlet and an outlet; aclosure element, arranged inside the valve housing, having a firstsealing portion and a second sealing portion, wherein the first sealingportion is movable to control fluid flow between said inlet and saidoutlet, and the second sealing portion is adapted to seal at least aportion of said valve housing from another portion of said valve; and anabutment element arranged inside said valve housing, wherein saidabutment element is adapted to urge said second sealing portion toward aseat of the valve housing to provide a seal.
 18. The valve of claim 17,wherein said abutment element comprises a compression spring.
 19. Thevalve of claim 18, wherein said abutment element is tensioned by acompression spring.
 20. The valve of claim 18, wherein said abutmentelement is tensioned by a spring washer.